Weekly farm and flea markets stimulate local economies by attracting visitors to shop for homegrown products. They offer a place to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, soaps, jellies, baked goods, antiques and crafts from local crafters and family-owned farms.

It’s still a bit too early for most Michigan-grown produce; however, market vendors will have early-season crops and other items for sale starting this month.

Greenville Flea and Farmers Market — in the old Meijer parking lot — opened last month. With 1,000 vehicles driving by each hour, market coordinator Senior Pastor Tommy Turner says it’s a prime location. A $10 weekly donation secures an 18-foot by 30-foot space. Proceeds benefit Community Outreach Program, specifically the food pantry and renovation of the old Meijer building.

“We’re doing well and have vendors who have committed to the entire summer,” Turner said. “I expect it to get busier as the weather gets warmer, so I encourage people to call to reserve a spot.”

Mary Roush, the coordinator of Howard City Farmers Market, said rhubarb and asparagus are two of the early crops people will find for sale in downtown Howard City at the corner of Edgerton and Ensley streets, behind the old depot.

“Everything is Michigan-grown at our market,” Roush said. “Most crops won’t be ready for a while, but starting May 12, we’ll have other items – hanging baskets, annuals, perennial flowers and maple syrup.”

Ralph Field, 95, of McBride, has been farming his whole life, and this year is no different. He plans to sell his garden produce at both the Trufant and Greenville farmers markets.

“I sell three days a week in the summer,” Field said. “I grow just about everything — tomatoes, broccoli, red potatoes, radishes, strawberries. I’m a bit behind this year, but I’m feeling better now and worked outside today for the first time without my cane.”

So far, Field has his garden plowed and potatoes planted. He hopes to get all remaining crops in the ground this week, provided both the weather and his body cooperate.

Local farmers markets, contacts and hours of operation:

Carson City Hospital Farmers Market

Administration Entrance

(989) 584-3971, ext. 216

Mondays, 8 a.m. to noon – beginning in June

Edmore Farmers Market

Bike trailhead, one block south of M-46 on Lewis Street

Aaron Hadley, (989) 427-3787

Tuesdays, 4 to 7 p.m., and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – opening June 1

Greenville Flea and Farmers Market

Old Meijer – 1220 N. Lafayette St.

Pastor Tommy Turner, (616) 225-9999

Fridays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to dark — open now

Greenville Farmers Market

Veterans Park on W. Washington

Gae Wolfe, (616) 754-5697

Open Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon — opening May 15

Howard City Farmers Market

Corner of Edgerton and Ensley streets, behind the depot

Mary Roush, (231) 937-5570

Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — starting May 12

Ionia Farmers Market

N.E. corner of W. Adams and S. Steele in Pavilion

Linda Curtis, (616) 527-1420

Open Wednesdays, 3 to 7 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — starting in July

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Warm spring weather brings out-door activities for all to enjoy. A flea and farmers market will take place at 7 a.m. every Friday and Saturday starting Friday at the Old Meijer located on 1220 N. Lafayette Street.

The warmer winter season is a concern for local farmers, but it is what the weather will bring for the rest of winter that will affect crops. George Wright, co-owner of H&W Farms in Belding, said the warmer-than-usual winter is a concern for his cherry and apple crops. “It’s been way too mild,” Wright said.

Families who received food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may participate in the Double up Food Bucks at the local Greenville Farmers Market. According to Gae Donovan-Wolfe, executive director of the Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, Double-up Food Bucks is a program through the Fair Food Network that supplies the means to purchase more locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at the Greenville Farmers Market.

It was an eclectic mix gathered Thursday evening at Montcalm Community College — politicians, local business owners and farmers. But they all had one thing in common – a shared interest in the continued health of the state’s agriculture business.